When the beatitudes as recorded in Matthew chapter 5 are examined in full, it becomes readily evident that they are simply structured “grace for grace” statements.

Consider Matthew 5:7 which reads, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

In sum, this suggests that as we show grace to others in being merciful to them (especially when they are not deserving of it), we are then entitled to His grace and we too receive mercy (especially at time when we clearly are NOT deserving of it).

It is interesting to note that our Savior Jesus Christ started off the Sermon on the Mount with the beatitudes … or with the doctrine that we receive grace as we show grace.

The doctrine of grace – or “we receive grace as we show grace” – is evidently both foundational and simple to comprehend.

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Notes:

(1) Just as the Beatitudes as recorded in Matthew chapter 5 are structured “grace for grace” statements (as we show grace, we receive grace), the saving covenants are codified, formalized, structured “grace for grace” promises that have an exchange rate that is out of this world. So why is the exchange rate so skewed in our favor? Consider the value of a soul to our Heavenly Father. We are His jewels. Each soul has been weighed in the balance (in the garden and on the cross) and has been found to be worth the life a Christ. As we act to save God’s children, we must realize that we are acting to bear fruit on something that has untold value, even as we act “one by one.” Of course the exchange rate is going to be intense and generous.